What are your suggestions to make the process of reflection and reflective discussion easier?

As a refresher, your goals, patient goals and treatment plans are recommended to follow the SMART model, meaning they should be:

Specific

Measurable

Achievable

Realistic

Timely

Using this during data collection, action plan formulation and evaluation will help everything will be more organised, readily available and easier to work through down the line.

Furthermore, Saladin, a nurse from Dorking “uses direct patient quotes in recordings of 1:1 sessions and reviews of plans and assessments,” in practice and this may help you as well.

What nursing model of reflection would you suggest to another colleague?

“Gibbs model of nursing teaches a novice to become and expert through practice.” Dylan, Ohenebeng

Since 1988, the ‘Gibbs Reflective Cycle’ has been highly recommended by multiple nursing professionals because it helps nurses to question assumptions, explore a variety of ideas, encourage self-improvement and connect practice and theory.

An updated example of the model is below and you can use this in your practice:

In addition, a nurse who provided feedback and wanted to remain anonymous suggested the 2015 ‘Bowers Reflective Model’ because in addition to what the other models provide, it also “encompasses why the situation for reflection was chosen in the first place.”

The model and the questions it contains can also be used during reflection and is as follows;

Why is this reflection important to me?

What happened?

Why is it important to analyse this event?

Analysis of the event with supporting literature and/or research

What have I learnt that could improved events in the future?

Action plan - what do I need to do now?

Is there any other advice you can provide to other nurses regarding reflective practice?

“Work closely with more knowledgeable colleagues and share knowledge and expertise, thereby informing and improving your practice. Read a lot on current clinical practice, and check on journals and periodicals as often as possible.” Isaac, Hayes

Exploit the resources available to you!

How do you prepare ahead of time and make sure that your reflection is ready for NMC revalidation?

To complete revalidation with the NMC, you are required to submit supporting evidence of reflective discussion and five written reflective accounts. You can find out more information about revalidation via the NMC's online resource

What are your preferred models of reflection? Let us know in the comments below!